AIRPORT WEST v CRAIGIEBURN
IT’S a toss of the coin whether this or Hillside v Tullamarine is the game of the round, but they are just as important.
With the top four sides all playing each other, it could have a big impact for finals spots.
For Airport West a win here would put them two games clear inside the top two with four rounds remaining.
They enter the match on the back of a solid win against bottom side, Jacana.
Airport West looked in control all game, but the margin didn’t blow out until the second half.
Tyson Young returned to the side and kicked five goals, while Jesse McVeigh continued his good form and kicked two.
A win for Airport West could move the Eagles into the top two.
To do that, they need to beat one of the top two sides for the first time.
It was only the last 10 minutes on Saturday when Tullamarine took the game away from Craigieburn.
Shannon Smith kicked four goals for the Eagles with Anthony Righele was named their best.
The result showed that when Craigieburn plays well, it can match it with the top two sides.
Now it’s about getting a win.
EAST KEILOR v JACANA - Radio Game
A refreshed East Keilor will be looking to return to the winners list after the bye last week.
The Cougars had been the most in-form team of the competition, before Airport West brought them back to earth.
However, East Keilor continues to improve as the season goes along, and it’s amazing what happens when you get closer to a full side and the team is able to jell together.
The Cougars will go in red-hot favourites against the Jaguars, but if last time’s result is anything to go by then it could be a close game.
The Jaguars showed some positive signs against Airport West but weren’t able to go with them for long enough.
The Jaguars won the second quarter, which is a major highlight in what has been a tough season.
Bryce Kimuliatis and Corey McCawley kicked three goals each for the Jaguars.
HILLSIDE v TULLAMARINE
This match is just as interesting as the first and could have just as many consequences.
For the Sharks, a win here would hold Taylors Lakes at bay for at least another week.
A loss, and the Sharks could find themselves outside the top four.
They enter this week on the back of a good win against Westmeadows.
The Sharks were never challenged against the Tigers, having had 10 scoring shots to two in the first quarter.
Mitch Church kicked four goals, while Liam Johnstone and skipper Victor Micallef, in his 100th game for the club, were named among the best.
Tullamarine enters the match on the back of a hard-fought win against Craigieburn.
It took until the final 10 minutes for the Demons to break the Eagles and get the win.
The Demons’ midfield stood out, while coach Dave Connell was full of praise for the role Russell Laurie played in restricting the division’s leading goalkicker, Dean Limbach.
A win here would help Tullamarine cement a top two spot.
WESTMEADOWS v TAYLORS LAKES
Westmeadows will be looking to pick up another win as it tries to finish off the season on a high.
For much of the season the Tigers have been competitive for periods of games but haven’t been able to put the full four quarters together.
That was the case against Hillside on Saturday.
They trailed by five goals at quarter time and the end margin ended up at six goals.
Leigh Owen was the Tigers’ best, as they tested one of the better sides of the competition.
After two straight draws, the Lions were happy to get back on the winners list against Oak Park.
It was a match that the Lions had to win if they are a chance to play finals and they did it easily in the end.
Joseph McGrath kicked five goals for the Lions, while ruckman Matthew Dalla-Libera was named their best.
Another win this week is vital for them.
With the top four sides all playing each other, it gives the Lions a chance to close the gap and potentially move into the top four as we get to the pointy end of the season.
